Spring To-Do List for Juniors:
Spring for juniors means prom dresses and corsages, soaking up the sun over spring break, and enjoying outdoor sports like lacrosse and baseball. But juniors may also feel very stressed, as their academic and college journeys culminate in a collision of important events. The pressure of SAT/ACT tests, AP exams, trying to do the best […]
US Colleges and Universities and Extracurricular Activities
The “Liberal Arts” model of education favored by many US colleges and universities promotes the development of critical thinking and the broad value of learning from one’s peers over direct training for any one profession or career. As a result, admissions to many of these schools can seem opaque, and at least equally focused on […]
Studying in Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow, Scotland is home to several renowned and well-respected universities, including the University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow Caledonian University, and Glasgow School of Art. Glasgow is one of the more affordable cities in the UK for international students, with lower tuition fees and living costs compared to other major cities (Approx. $31,000./year US$). […]
“To Test or Not to Test” as the SAT and ACT make a Comeback
At the end of 2023, we noted in our 2024 College Admission Trends and Predictions that “even in the current, widely test-optional admissions landscape, testing continues to occupy a lot of real estate in each student’s mind as they consider and plan their application process.” Now, with several colleges again requiring testing in some form […]
Comparing IE University (Spain) and Bocconi University (Italy)
If you are a student from the U.S., or an international student looking for a great college experience in Europe, consider IE University in Segovia, Spain or Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Bocconi has traditionally been considered a top European business school, and Milan offers a rich cultural backdrop for your studies. While all that […]
Glasgow, Scotland: An Underrated Academic Destination
Glasgow, Scotland, beckons with its rich academic heritage and vibrant cultural scene, making it a prime destination for students seeking quality education and an unforgettable experience. Here’s a comprehensive overview of studying in Glasgow, including highlights from the University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde, and Glasgow Caledonian University. Why Glasgow? Glasgow boasts a cluster of […]
The Importance of College Visits
An American phenomenon that is spreading to other countries – not unlike Levi’s and Coca-Cola in the 80’s and hopefully healthier than the bizarrely ubiquitous KFC – is the concept of touring a university campus before one applies. However, the purposes and procedures for college visits in the US are distinctly different from those in […]
Getting Started with Applications Early!
Every November, we get some from international families of seniors seeking application assistance. Sacre bleu! Mamma mia! Or as my mother-in-law says, “Maria Petruchka Petrovna”! No, mi amigo, you must start early! We strongly encourage students to do most of their application work during the summer before their final year of high school. They don’t […]
The Seed, the Sapling, and the Sequoia
My favorite time of year is when winter dissolves away and I begin my search for the magic and beauty that is Mother Nature and the emergence of new life. It inspires me in my work with students, and it also humbles me to know what little control we can have over those things that […]
School Decisions and What it All Means
Since the January 15th application deadline, students have patiently waited for their decisions to arrive, while admissions offices have been hard at work reading essays, reviewing interview notes, and discussing applicants. Soon, they will notify students and families of their decisions: Accept, Deny, or Waitlist. For students with a balanced list of schools, they will […]
“The Waiting Is The Hardest Part”: Timely Advice for High School Seniors
Okay, first, if you teens don’t know who Tom Petty is, ask your parents. They have so much to teach you about great music. Most seniors in high school have now submitted all of their applications, and all of that frantic adrenaline pushing you through late night edits of last-minute supplements is just simmering beneath […]